Dear Editor,
It is possible to govern unjustly and illegitimately and get away with it – for a while. What seems so permanent is quickly washed away never to be seen again. History is often brutally honest and uncompromising in its assessment of personal character. When national rulers – whether they are presidents, prime ministers, or dictators – abuse power to further their own causes and reputations at the expense of their citizens or subjects, disaster is very near both for the nation and the ruler.
This is one in a series of pronouncements by God against the last kings of Judah. King Jehoiakim was judged by God because his heart was set on “dishonest gain, shedding innocent blood, oppression, and extortion.” Jeremiah rightly peered behind the façade and judged the conduct of this king.
